Smallpox Preparedness

Voluntary vaccination of healthcare and emergency
responders began in 2004 in accordance with federal
recommendations.

Why have smallpox preparedness?

Naturally occurring smallpox was eradicated following
worldwide vaccination programs approximately 25 years
ago. However, the possibility remains that terrorists
could possess and use the smallpox virus as part of
a terrorist attack. In December 2002, the Federal
Government initiated a national preparedness program
to protect citizens against smallpox being used as
a biological weapon. Public health officials and medical
providers are now taking precautions to be ready to
deal with such an attack, if it were to take place.

How are we preparing?

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
(DHSS) is participating in the national smallpox preparedness
program. In Phase I of the plan, teams of healthcare
providers were voluntarily vaccinated so they are
able to respond quickly should a smallpox attack should occur. DHSS has initiated Phase II, in which the smallpox
vaccine will be made available to first responders
as their duties and responsibilities may include an
increased risk of exposure during an outbreak. Locally,
the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services has agreed
to serve as a regional coordinating agency to assist
in educating and vaccinating first responders in Regions
F and B (as defined by the Missouri State Highway
Patrol). If you are a first responder located in either
of these regions, please contact Trina
Teacutter, R.N. for more information on opportunities
in your area at (573) 874-7356, or
email her at tdteacut@gocolumbiamo.com.

Making an informed decision about being vaccinated:

The smallpox vaccination is completely voluntary. First responders should carefully consider whether
or not it makes sense to receive the vaccination.
Considerations include whether or not there are limiting
health factors, either with those wanting to receive
the vaccine, or within their families. With this in
mind, it is very important that family and other close
contacts be considered in the decision. Other factors,
including the physical effects (i.e. those being vaccinated
may be ill enough to miss work for a few days) and
financial impact should also be a part of the decision.

Medical Information Related to the Smallpox Vaccination:

Most newly vaccinated people experience normal, usually
mild, reactions that include a sore arm, fever and
body aches. Some people may experience more serious
reactions requiring medical attention.

Certain individuals should not receive the vaccine
unless they have been exposed to a confirmed
case
of smallpox. They include persons with skin conditions
such as dermatitis, heart (cardiac) conditions,
eczema
or atopic dermatitis, herpes; people on certain
medications such as anti-virals, steroidal anti-inflammatories
(prednisone) or chemotherapy; persons with HIV;
women
who are pregnant, or who think they may become
pregnant in the 2 months after their vaccination.
Information
about the vaccine will be provided and explained
to all those considering vaccination, so they
will be
well informed before receiving it. We have a strong
plan in place to screen individuals. We will
be diligent
in assuring that those who should not receive the
vaccine are identified and deferred.